Five Under the Radar Teams for the 2023-2024

The 2023-2024 season will be here before you know it, so let’s take some time to look at some teams that are flying under the radar heading into the new year.

Cal

First-year head coach Mark Madsen put together a roster that is ready to compete immediately in the PAC12. He’s reuniting with former Utah Valley and Texas Tech big Fardaws Aimaq and added some great pieces around him in Jalen Cone (Northern Arizona/Virginia Tech), Keonte Kennedy (Memphis) and Jaylon Tyson (Texas Tech). Throw in a healthy Devin Askew and you’ve got yourself a team that can really go.

As for the staff, Madsen assembled a crew ready-made to dominate the recruiting trail. Associate head coach Adam Mazarei brings a wealth of NBA experience and deep ties to the grassroots scene in California. Assistant coach Amorrow Morgan is nearly ready to run a program of his own and retaining Matt Scherbenske from the previous staff was a significant move that helped him put together a quality team in year one. Cal will win more than three games next year – I personally guarantee it.

Duquesne

There are rumors circulating that this could be Keith Dambrot’s last year before retirement and he’s making sure he goes out with a bang. The Dukes are primed to take a huge jump in 23-24 thanks to a group featuring seven (7!) players in their last year of eligibility. Dae Dae Grant and Jimmy Clark are back, giving Duquesne one of the best backcourts in the Atlantic 10. Combine those guards with the additions of Dusan Mahorcic (NC State) and Andrei Savrasov (Georgia Southern) in the front court and this group has all the makings of a potential NCAA tournament team.

Mississippi State

Chris Jans’ first year in Starkville was a rollercoaster. The Bulldogs started the year 11-0 with wins impressive wins over Akron, Marquette and Utah. They followed that up by losing eight of their next nine games, albeit to some very stiff competition, and ultimately finished the season 21-13 with a first-round NCAA tournament loss to Pitt.

The off-season, however, couldn’t have gone any better at The Hump. The Bulldogs return all five starters, including First-Team All-SEC big man Tolu Smith. The most notable addition is Marshall transfer Andrew Taylor. Taylor averaged 20.2ppg last year and provides the offensive spark that will help a team ranked 9th in scoring defense win more games. Jans will have one of the oldest teams in the country next year and has a group with second weekend potential.

Northern Iowa

The Panthers took a step back last year, finishing 14-18 (9-11 MVC), but they’re in position to right the ship this season. Bowen Born is a Player of the Year candidate in the Missouri Valley and he’s got some help at the guard position with Tytan Anderson, Michael Duax and a healthy Nate Heise returning to Cedar Falls. UNI was one of the youngest teams in the country last year (340th in experience) and will have a ton of minutes continuity heading into 23-24. Ben Jacobsen has never had consecutive losing seasons during his 17-year tenure and I do not suspect that will change anytime soon. Look for the Panthers to return to the top third of the MVC next year.

UNC-Wilmington

If you’re looking for next year’s Charleston or FAU, look no further than the Seahawks of UNCW. All-CAA Second Teamer Trazarien White anchors a group returning their top four scorers and adding another solid piece in New Mexico transfer KJ Jenkins. The Seahawks are known for their relentless tenacity on defense and turn it up even more at the raucous Trask Coliseum. Takayo Siddle’s crew finished 3rd in the CAA last season behind Hofstra and Charleston, but this is the year they make the jump and win the league outright.

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